The Philippines and the US are accelerating economic and trade cooperation, with initiatives that could generate up to one million jobs for Filipinos, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.
On May 19, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jacob Helberg at Malacañang Palace. The leaders discussed expanding collaboration in trade, technology, supply chains, and strategic investments.
According to the PCO, talks focused on the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), Pax Silica initiatives, and other priority programs aimed at deepening economic ties.
“The LEC, in particular, is projected to create up to 1 million jobs for Filipinos while driving double-digit economic growth,” the PCO said.
The corridor will support industrial development, logistics modernization, digital infrastructure expansion, and high-value manufacturing investments across Luzon’s key growth areas.
Officials also explored investment and technology partnerships, as well as supply chain cooperation, signaling Manila and Washington’s intent to position the Philippines as a regional hub for manufacturing and innovation.
The meeting coincides with the 80th anniversary of Philippines-US diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty. The PCO noted that these milestones “reflect a longstanding partnership that continues to expand beyond security into economic growth, innovation, and shared prosperity.”
